Your All Things Plants newsletter for February 27, 2012

• 44 new members.
• 173 new threads.
• 3,161 new posts.
• 2,516 new images to the plant database.
• 102 new comments in the plant database.

There were 4 new articles published last week:

Team Heirloom or Team Hybrid? By Trish Whitinger on February 26, 2012 When buying or planting your vegetable seeds, do you favor hybrids or heirlooms? Let's discuss! (8 comments)

Garden Tours: goldfinch4, Chris Rentmeister By Sharon Brown on February 25, 2012 It's exciting to look at beautiful gardens in the middle of winter. For our first tour of the new season we're taking you to Wisconsin to see the gardens of Chris Rentmeister. Her creative touch can be seen not only in the color combination of blooms, but also in the interesting garden art she shar... (34 comments)

Wildlife: a closer look By Sharon Brown on February 23, 2012 It's that time again. Critters who live near you are making plans for midnight raids on your roses, early morning feasts involving your lettuce, and late afternoon snacks with your daffodils. It's that time again; trust me, they're making plans. It's a surprise party they'll have. You won't be gett... (75 comments)

All about Clematis By Chris Rentmeister on February 21, 2012 Despite what you may have heard about growing clematis, these beautiful plants are quite easy to grow. There are many variables to take into consideration when selecting the perfect plant for your location. (42 comments)

Daily Gardening Tips from this week:

February 27, 2012: Use cat litter trays to transport your seedlings! They can be purchased at your local $1 store, and are very sturdy. You can carry twelve 16-ounce Red Solo cups in a tray with one hand, confident that it won't tip over, or crack! And, you can fit three trays side by side under a 48" fluorescent light kit! Tip and photo by Gymgirl - (0 comments)

February 26, 2012: Pipe cleaners make wonderful soft flexible ties for attaching plants to stakes and cut easily to size with just regular scissors. They come in a variety of colors so you could match them to the plant if you wanted. I purchased mine at a dollar store so it is very cost effective. Tip and photo by quietyard - (8 comments)

February 25, 2012: When planting in a pot, make sure the pot has a drain hole. Plants don't like to sit in water. Tip by Dutchlady1 Photo by gingin - (9 comments)

February 24, 2012: When having bulk mulch delivered, set out a tarp and a bunch of bins and buckets. Tell the driver to do his best to fill the bins. Lifting a bin is much easier than shoveling to fill your wheelbarrow! Tip and photo by critterologist - (21 comments)

February 23, 2012: A little cinnamon in your soil will help keep the bugs away from your seedlings/cuttings. Tip by careyana Photo by Shelly - (7 comments)

February 22, 2012: When sowing petunias in a seed tray, the best idea is to do it indoors as the seeds are very fine indeed, and any wind will blow them everywhere. Make sure the compost is damp, and when you open the seed packet tap them carefully in the seed packet to the end of it, then tap the seed packet very gently with your finger, whilst moving your other hand to make sure they are evenly distributed. Do not cover them with more compost or water with a big watering can, if you have one use a little hand held mist sprayer, that people use for house plants. Tip and photo by NEILMUIR1 - (2 comments)

February 21, 2012: Crushed Eggshells: Wash eggshells thoroughly, crush and sprinkle atop the soil beneath plants to repel slugs. Cleaned, crushed eggshells are also a great source of calcium for backyard birds, mix in with birdseed or place in an old pie tin and place in the garden. Tip by plantladylin Photo by gingin - (0 comments)